Job description Exterminator in the Southeast Region

Find out what work is like for an exterminator in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Pest controllers and fumigators (NOC 73202).

Pest controllers and fumigators

Description

Pest controllers and fumigators inspect buildings and outside areas for pest infestation and spray chemical treatments to kill noxious and destructive insects, rodents and other pests or set cage traps to capture and remove animals. They are employed by pest control companies, or they may be self-employed.

Work week duration

Pest controllers and fumigators usually work less than 35 hours per week.
Less than 35 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Pest controllers and fumigators have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Inspect buildings and outside areas at regular intervals or at specific request of property owner to detect signs of infestation
  • Determine type of treatment required and provide estimate of costs to clients
  • Prepare and spray chemical mixture on infested areas using mechanical or electric sprayer to kill insects, rodents and other pests
  • Fumigate households
  • Place and set traps to capture and remove animals, such as skunks or raccoons
  • Install animal control barriers such as needle strips, netting and other devices to keep animals off property
  • Clean out areas that harbour pests using rakes, shovels, brooms or mops
  • Advise clients on how to prevent pest infestation.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Standing
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Handling material manually
  • Walking and running

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Pest controllers and fumigators are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Pest control companies
  • Self-employed

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Hazardous conditions
  • Standard safety equipment
  • Specialized safety equipment
  • Outside, exposed to weather
  • In an enclosed vehicle or equipment
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, tools
  • Extremely bright or inadequate lighting
  • Skin injury

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 73202), and a list of similar occupations:

  • animal control trapper
  • pest control operator
  • pest control service representative
  • pest control technician
  • pest controller
  • pest exterminator
  • pest fumigator

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Pest controllers and fumigators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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